PM to 'establish facts' in Gove-May exchange

The Prime Minister has stepped in to the row between ministers over alleged Islamist extremism in Birmingham schools. A Downing Street source said David Cameron was "keen to establish the facts" in the row between Theresa May and Michael Gove.

A Downing Street source said David Cameron was "keen to establish the facts" after Theresa May wrote to Michael Gove questioning why his department had not acted on warnings of a supposed plot by Islamist extremists.

May's letter inquired about evidence that the Department for Education knew of the 'Trojan Horse' allegations in 2010 and asked: "If so, why did nobody act?"

As the letter emerged the pair took the unusual step of issuing a joint statement insisting they were "working together" on the issue.

Responding to concerns raised by Home Secretary Theresa May about the Department for Education's efforts to prevent Islamic extremism in schools, a spokeswoman said it was "investigating all evidence."

Park View is one of 21 schools in the area now being probed by Ofsted over the alleged Operation Trojan Horse. Credit: Google Maps

In a statement the department said: "The allegations made in relation to some schools in Birmingham are very serious and we are investigating all evidence put to us in conjunction with Ofsted, Birmingham City Council and the police.

"It is absolutely vital these investigations are carried out impartially, without pre-judgment."Ofsted has inspected a number of schools in the light of recent allegations and will report to the Secretary of State shortly.

"Retired senior police officer Peter Clarke has been asked by the Secretary of State to make a full inquiry into Birmingham schools and will report back this summer."